One World Cup Match Has a 96% Heat Risk Today. Could It Change the Game?

Some World Cup games today could come with more than pressure on the scoreboard. New Climate Central graphics show that several June 23, 2026 matches face heat high enough to affect elite soccer performance, with one game reaching a 96% risk.

Climate Central defines “performance-impairing heat” as temperatures above 82.4°F. At that level, elite players may run slower, cover less ground, and make fewer high-intensity efforts. That can affect the rhythm of a match, especially late in the game when fatigue starts to build.

Here is where today’s World Cup heat risk stands.

Portugal vs. Uzbekistan: 96% Heat Risk